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Games on Demand adds Dark Arisen, Star Trek, Dragonball Z HD
The ever-gluttonous Games on Demand stuffed more unsuspecting morsels into this gob this week, including the spicy pawn salad that is Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen. The fresh-faced game'n'expansion version of the 2012 RPG is now on Xbox Live priced $40, joined by also-new arrivals Star Trek and the Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection at $30 and $35 respectively. Keeping the dining descriptions going, our Dark Arisen review said "if you didn't bite before, then Capcom's "souped-up re-release" is "easily the best introduction to the land of Gransys." Sounds yummy.
New XBLA bundles collect action and NinjaBee games, Kinect bundle spotted
Three new game bundles have been released on Xbox Live Arcade, giving hefty discounts to select grab-bags of games. The Action Packed bundle hacks together Bloodforge, The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile, Dungeon Fighter Live, Islands of Wakfu and Unbound Saga. Next up is the NinjaBee Bundle, which includes Band of Bugs, A World of Keflings, Cloning Clyde, Outpost Kaloki X and Ancients of Ooga. With the exception of Cloning Clyde, all of these games normally cost $10 ($15 in the case of Bloodforge), so the savings are certainly substantial. Take note, however, that these bundles won't give you an extra copy of a game you already own. TrueAchievements also spotted a Kinect Bundle listed on Xbox.com, which features Dragon's Lair, Wreckateer, Diabolical Pitch, Home Run Stars and Haunt. Strangely, it has no price and there doesn't appear to be any way to purchase it via Xbox.com or the Xbox 360 itself. There was an ad for the bundle in the Xbox 360 games section, though it appears to have been pulled. We've contacted Microsoft to see when or if the bundle will be available.
Wargaming CEO: Current Xbox certification process "unacceptable" for free-to-play
Wargaming.net is something of an expert when it comes to free-to-play game design. The studio's World of Tanks is one of the biggest F2P titles in the world, boasting over 60 million registered users and holding the world record for player concurrency. This population is likely to expand when World of Tanks launches on the Xbox 360 later this summer. There's just one hitch: According to Wargaming CEO Victor Kislyi, Microsoft's current certification process is not very friendly to free-to-play games. Here's Kislyi speaking with Polygon about the struggles the studio faced in bringing World of Tanks to Xbox Live: One of the biggest challenges with Microsoft was the frequency of updates because the QA process and certification process takes an extremely long time. Totally unacceptable for a meaningful free-to-play. We are working with them to do quicker updates. Kislyi noted that Wargaming is trying to help Microsoft streamline the certification process, but that there is quite a bit of work on the tech and admin sides that needs to be done. As for whether any of this will result in meaningful changes for developers looking to launch on Microsoft's current or future console, Kislyi noted, "We will see." This isn't the first time Kislyi has talked about frustrations with Microsoft. A few weeks ago, he expressed his unhappiness with the fact that World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition players will need an Xbox Live Gold account to get online with the game.
Family Sharing could return to Xbox One, says Microsoft's Whitten
Xbox corporate VP Marc Whitten wishes that Microsoft had done a better job explaining the features of the Xbox One, many of which were removed when the company reversed the console's "always-online" connection policy. Speaking to IGN, Whitten responded to a recent online petition asking Microsoft to re-reverse its decision and re-implement features like Family Sharing, which would have allowed users to share their digital games with other Xbox One owners via Xbox Live. "The thing that's really gratifying is that people are excited about the types of features that are possible," he said, "and it's sort of shame on us that we haven't done as good of a job as we can to make people feel like that's where we're headed." "We need to do more work to talk about what we're doing because I think that we did something different than maybe how people are perceiving it." For one thing, he said, Family Sharing isn't necessarily gone for good. "If [Family Sharing] is something that people are really excited about and want, we're going to make sure that we find the right way to bring it back." It would require additional engineering to enable Family Sharing after always-online was dropped, so the feature was removed from the Xbox One launch window. Whitten said Microsoft "learned a lot of lessons" over the course of the Xbox One's reveal, and the company will be "engaging more with the community" going forward. "I think it's the number one thing I'd want to do if I went back, was have the conversation more open and more complete."
Dishonored slashed to $20 on Xbox Live, DLC on sale too
If you missed out on Dishonored, one of our favorite games of 2012, Xbox Live Gold members can currently grab the Xbox version for $20. DLC has been discounted too, with "Knife of Dunwall" down to $5, "Dunwall City Trials" at $2.50 and "Void Walker's Arsenal" at $2. These deals run until July 15.
Xbox Live's Ultimate sale: infinite tombs of judgment
The last one-day offering in Xbox's Ultimate sale is full of fresh-faced Games on Demand. The oldest discounted download is just nine months young, and there are four of 2013's big babies to proudly take home. That quartet includes the brilliant BioShock Infinite, which skyhooks down to $40. Take a Hamilton out of that and you get today's tags of $30 for Gears of War: Judgment and Metal Gear Rising. Also representing the class of 2013 is Tomb Raider, an absolute steal at $20. Making up the rest of today's deals are Hitman: Absolution and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The former is just $10, while Joystiq's No.2 game of 2012 is certainly worth a gander at $20. As for the week-long deals, you've got until July 8 to get down and get with. Red Alert 3 is one of the inclusions at $5, surely enough excuse to link this video, if only for George Takei and that line. As for the other ten, report to Major Nelson for the full list of deals.
Today's Xbox Live Ultimate Sale: Games you can't Lego
Today's round of Ultimate Xbox Live deals definitely has a family feel. It even features a family-friendly Rockstar game, for Niko's sake! Yes, reminding us just how drawn out this generation's been, 2006's Rockstar Table Tennis spins in at just $3. If you're prepared to stump up $10, then you can have your pick of Lego Batman 2, Hasbro Family Game Night 3, Monopoly Streets, or Kinect Sports 2. Or you could always build (or construct) a fellowship with Lego: Lord of the Rings, which is halfling-price at $15. Don't forget, there's a crowd of cuts basking in the sun all week, including the tanned good looks of Mass Effect for a skimpy $5. Surf on over to Major Nelson's for a full list of the week-long deals.
Xbox Live's Ultimate Game Sale opens with Far Cry 3, Borderlands 2
Xbox Live is BBQ-ing prices with another Ultimate Game Sale. As per the last menu, this Ultimate platter features a meaty selection of discounted games throughout the week, along with a range of daily specials to chew on, available to all Xbox Live members. Today's one-day-onlys comprise four of 2012's big hitters: Borderlands 2 and Max Payne 3 see prices smashed to $10 each, Assassin's Creed 3 plunges to $15, and Far Cry 3 is at $20. As for the week-long range, there are 11 different flavors to explore, including Dragon Age: Origins, Crysis, Mass Effect, Red Alert 3, and the absolutely bonkers Bulletstorm. That Major man Nelson has the full list of deals and prices, along with a preview of other deals due later in the week - look out for discounts on BioShock Infinite, Gears of War: Judgment, Metal Gear Rising, Tomb Raider, and a whole bunch of others.
Xbox's Games with Gold first freebie is Defense Grid: The Awakening
The first game in Microsoft's Games with Gold promotion is Defense Grid: The Awakening. Hidden Path's 2009 XBLA tower defense game is normally priced at 800 MSP, but will be free for Gold subscribers starting today and until July 15. Games for Gold, unveiled at E3, sees Microsoft make two Xbox 360 games free each month; one on the 1st of the month, and the other on the 16th. The promotion runs through until the end of the year. Xbox's Major Nelson clarified through Twitter that the two games already announced for the program, namely Assassin's Creed 2 and Halo 3, aren't this month's pair of offerings.
Time Warner Cable bringing live TV to Xbox 360 later this summer
A new Time Warner Cable app coming to Xbox 360 later this summer promises access to 300 live television channels, Xbox Wire has announced. The new Time Warner app, which requires Xbox Live Gold and a Time Warner subscription, will offer more live TV channels than any other on Xbox 360. The announcement follows Microsoft's Xbox reveal event and E3 press conference, where Microsoft showcased integrated live television on the Xbox One. Microsoft's entertainment division, overseen by former CBS executive Nancy Tellem, also announced an upcoming Halo live-action series in collaboration with Steven Spielberg. Last week, i love bees creator Elan Lee joined the division.
Xbox Live Gold free games pinned for 1st and 16th of each month [update]
Microsoft pinned monthly dates to its Games With Gold promotion, with the Xbox Live Gold freebies due on the 1st of 16th of each month. As revealed during Microsoft's E3 press conference, Gold subscribers gain access to two free Xbox 360 games each month until the end of the year. Fable 3 was the first offering, with Halo 3 and Assassin's Creed 2 already announced as coming to the program. "As our way of saying thanks for being part of this community, we're giving all qualifying Gold members two free Xbox 360 games each month for the rest of the year." reads the promotion's site. "Each specially selected, fan-favorite game will be available to download only for a limited time, so grab them before they're gone and keep them no matter what." Update: Xbox's Major Nelson has since clarified Halo 3 and Assassin's Creed 2 aren't the two games due in July. This post has been amended to reflect that.
Sega sale on Xbox Live: $5 VF5, $2 Guardian Heroes, $10 Sonic Generations, more
There's a pretty massive Sega sale going down on Xbox Live right now. Many games and DLC packs are $5 or less. In the $5 camp are Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown, Sonic Adventure 2, Jet Set Radio, Nights into Dreams and Crazy Taxi. Other downloads, such as Guardian Heroes, the Sega Genesis Sonic games (including Sonic CD) and Space Channel 5 Part 2 are only two bucks each. You'll also find a number of $10 Games on Demand titles, including Sonic Generations, Condemned, Sega Superstars Tennis ... and Sonic Unleashed. Finally, if you haven't tried out Ron Gilbert's latest adventure, you can pick up The Cave for $7.50.
Undead Labs still negotiating with Microsoft on Class4 MMO
Undead Labs' latest game for Xbox Live, State of Decay, is a resounding success. The game moved over 250,000 copies in its first 48 hours of release, landing it the title of "Fastest Selling Xbox Live Game that isn't Minecraft." However, one successful game does not guarantee another, and Undead is still at the mercy of Microsoft when it comes to getting its next game off the ground. The studio is set to begin work on Class4, an MMO follow-up to State of Decay, but cannot proceed until Microsoft gives it the go-ahead. According to Undead's Sanya Weathers, none of this can happen until the two parties reach a "mutually agreeable contract." She also noted that the two companies must agree on the goals of the project and on where the technology will be by the time Class4 finishes its multi-year development cycle. According to Weathers, the discussion between Microsoft and Undead is "in progress."
E3 2013: World of Tanks is blasting its way to the 360
Good news, tank fans! World of Tanks is heading to the Xbox 360 soon. Wargaming.net's partnership with Microsoft has been a huge milestone for both companies, as there hasn't been a large library of F2P games to grace the console's life. Although it's particularly late in the game's life to see World of Tanks hit the console market, transition to a controller-based system has actually been a good thing for the game. At this year's E3, Massively talked with Wargaming's Jeremy Monroe a bit about the company's growth, World of Tanks on the 360, and future plans for game releases.
Achievements, unlocked: Microsoft details Xbox One's 'challenge' system
Microsoft's Cierra McDonald has outlined plans for the Xbox One's overhauled achievements system, detailing new in-game "challenges" that promote community collaboration. Xbox One challenges are time-limited tasks displayed alongside achievements in a player's profile. Unlike achievements, challenges do not award GamerScore. Challenges, however, have the ability to track progress across multiple games and among all Xbox Live members, allowing developers to implement community-based goals. The Xbox 360 currently offers a similar service with Avatar FameStar. McDonald outlines a possible implementation: "Imagine, for example, a game releases a headshot weekend challenge that requires players to cumulatively headshot 1 million baddies in a 3 day period. And every person who participates and meets the challenge's goals gets the unlock on his or her achievement history and reaps its reward." Achievements, meanwhile, are not bound by time constraints, and are still unlocked via individual player progress. Promising players "more tangible benefits" for their in-game progress, McDonald notes that Xbox One achievements may now unlock "digital artwork, new maps, unlockable characters, and temporary stat boosts," along with other bonuses. McDonald revealed that Xbox One video and music apps can also use achievements to reward players with "sneak peek content, early access, or subscription extensions." Note, however, that you can't use app achievements to pad out your Gamerscore – points are only awarded for achievements earned in games.
Zeno Clash 2 punches XBLA next week
Father-Mother lovers rejoice, Zeno Clash 2 is finally first-person punching its way to Xbox Live Arcade next week. After being available on PC since late April, the game will arrive on Microsoft's download platform on June 12, smack in the middle of E3. We won't be playing Zeno Clash 2, but we'll still be first-person shoving our way through crowds to bring you the latest news.
State of Decay gets June 5th release date
While the news of State of Decay's release date was leaked out recently, today we have official confirmation. Undead Labs' maiden game will be coming to Xbox Live Arcade on Wednesday, June 5th. Founder Jeff Strain took to the official blog a couple of days ago to talk about the process of deciding upon and cementing a release date. "After that, our job is not done," he wrote. "We have a PC build of the game to finish and deliver. We will certainly want to fix a few bugs that slipped through (we saw a few in the video streams today that we jumped on immediately). And we have super secret plans for a few other treats to roll out in the future that Sanya would shoot me for even mentioning." So while it's not the MMO that will hopefully be forthcoming, it is set in the same world and it made a great showing at last year's PAX Prime.
Lionhead launches new Fable forums with suspicious timing [update]
Lionhead Studios has launched a brand new set of Fable-related forums, now available on the developer's website for users to discuss and dissect the popular series of role-playing games. Lionhead's also giving away virtual founders' medals to anyone who signs up in the forums' first two weeks of existence, and you can log right in using your Xbox Live ID. The last game in the series, Fable: The Journey, arrived back in October of 2012, which raises the question of why the Microsoft-owned developer would announce brand new forums for an IP that's all but fallen off of the radar. Don't forget, though, that E3 is next week, and Microsoft has $1 billion worth of games coming to the Xbox One. The fates may dictate a return to Albion very soon. Update: That didn't take long. Lionhead is teasing a Fable HD remake.
DarkStalkers Resurrection and Dark Souls for $10 on Xbox Live this week
The word of the week on Xbox Live is "dark," evidently, as both DarkStalkers Resurrection and the Games on Demand version of Dark Souls are heavily discounted until June 4. You can pick up either game for $10. The marketplace also has Ghost Recon: Future Soldier for $15, along with some discounted DLC for the tactical shooter. We realize that one doesn't have "dark" in the title, but it does have "ghost." Both DarkStalkers and Dark Souls have ghosts in them, so it makes sense, see? PSN is running a DarkStalkers Resurrection deal of its own as well. Pick up Resurrection for $15 and you'll get a free download of the excellent Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix. PlayStation Plus members can get the same deal for only $10.49. This promotion also runs until June 4.
Metal Gear Rising, DMC plunge into Games on Demand
If you can spare the gigglebits on your Xbox 360, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and DMC: Devil May Cry are both available through Games on Demand on Xbox Live for $50 right now. Each will consume 7.34 GB and 6.57 GB, respectively. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is the slice-em-up starring series cyborg Raiden that Platinum Games took over full-time from Kojima Productions in 2011. DMC: Devil May Cry is Ninja Theory's reboot issued earlier this year, which re-imagines Capcom's world replete with a new Dante.
